From Los Angeles to Wisconsin: How Support and Partnership Help Fulfillment Fund Students Thrive
According to PACE (Policy Analysis for College Education), only 11% of California public high school graduates who enroll in college leave the state. For first-generation students, that kind of leap is even less common. Many face financial constraints, and with higher travel costs and other expenses, out-of-state tuition can feel out of reach. Others worry about leaving family support systems, navigating unfamiliar environments without a built-in safety net, or making such a major decision without the benefit of their parents’ college-going experience. That’s why support from Fulfillment Fund is so critical when a student chooses a campus 1,900 miles away.
Despite the odds and the unfamiliar path of pursuing an out-of-state education, Jaima and Michelle earned their way into one of the nation’s top public universities, the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Their journey did not happen by chance. It was shaped by a powerful partnership, a community of supporters, and the unwavering guidance from their Fulfillment Fund College Counselor Jennyfer Amaya, who helped them thrive in a place they once thought was impossible.
Both students had long been curious about exploring colleges beyond Los Angeles, but the idea always felt uncertain. That changed when Jenny introduced them to the University of Wisconsin-Madison through Fulfillment Fund’s unique and growing partnership with the university. It opened a door that expanded their sense of what was possible.
“The worst thing they can say is no.” Those words from my Fulfillment Fund college counselor, Ms. Amaya, stayed with me through senior year. With her guidance and Fulfillment Fund’s support, I gained confidence and became the first in my family to attend college out of state—on a full-ride scholarship. Fulfillment Fund gave me the courage and opportunities to build a bright future.
Michelle – Freshman, UW–Madison
A Partnership That Expands Possibilities.
Our relationship with UW–Madison has become a meaningful doorway for students who may not otherwise consider out-of-state options. Through this partnership, the university not only welcomes our students as strong applicants, but it also demonstrates a deep commitment to ensuring they feel a sense of belonging once admitted.
Students who enroll through this pathway often receive generous financial aid packages that come close to a full ride, an opportunity that can determine whether attending a university far from home is possible. Paired with the continued support of our advisors, this partnership helps remove both academic and financial barriers.
This year, five Fulfillment Fund students were accepted to UW Madison, and two, Jaima and Michelle, made the courageous choice to attend. Their transition was strengthened even further when Jenny and our Chief Programs Officer, Rachel Livingston, traveled to Madison in September to visit the campus and spend time with the girls, ensuring they felt supported and connected in their new environment.
Supporting Students from LA to Wisconsin
Preparing to move from sunny Los Angeles to Wisconsin, where winter hits hard, is not an easy transition. As Jaima and Michelle took that leap, our team made sure they felt supported every step of the way.
Fulfillment Fund provided a round-trip flight, and through emergency funds, we ensured they had warm winter jackets and boots before the cold set in. Jenny continues to check in with them regularly, maintaining the strong relationship built in high school. And now, as enrolled college students, they are supported by Keily Molina, their College Success Advisor, who will continue to guide them through their first year on campus.
The girls are embracing their new environment with optimism and enthusiasm. Their early success reflects what can happen when students not only earn access to college, but also have consistent, caring support once they get there.
Champions Behind the Scenes
Our relationship with UW–Madison began when Jill Steinberg, daughter of our founder Dr. Gary Gitnick and an alumna of UW–Madison, and her husband, Seth Steinberg, made the initial introduction—opening the door to a possibility that soon grew into a true partnership. From that point forward, we carried the work ahead, while Jill and Seth continued to collaborate closely with us to help ensure the idea became a fully realized pathway for our students.
Although the partnership has been developing for three years, this is the first year we have a cohort of students attending. UW Madison not only welcomes our students as strong applicants; it also shows a deep commitment to helping them succeed once they arrive on campus.
As Jaima and Michelle settle into campus life, build community, and weather their first Wisconsin winter, they remind us of what Fulfillment Fund strives for as an organization: to walk alongside students as they pursue opportunities that once felt out of reach, and to ensure they never have to navigate those opportunities alone.
“My high school journey wasn’t easy, but Fulfillment Fund was a constant source of support. Through their workshops, mentorship, and guidance, I learned how to make choices that were right for me and how to stay confident through uncertainty. Because of them, I entered college with purpose, clarity, and belief that I can achieve my dreams.” Jaima – Freshman, UW–Madison
